Translations
Modern
“What is this you have done?” his servants asked. “While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but when he died, you got up and ate.”
Traditional
Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.
Literal
And his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; and when the child died, you arose and ate food.”
Latin
Dixerunt autem ei servi sui: Quis est sermo quem fecisti? propter infantem, cum adhuc viveret, jejunasti et flebas: mortuo autem puero, surrexisti, et comedisti panem.
Original
Hebrew
English
“What is this you have done?” his servants asked. “While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but when he died, you got up and ate.”
Notes
David mourned and fasted before his son died, hoping that God would remove the punishment.
Chapter 12 expands on the final part of 2 Samuel 11:27.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
Glossary
Bathsheba David Hittites Joab King Kings, Books of First and Second Psalms, Book of Samuel, Books of First and Second
Topics
Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: David Bereavement of his Child by Bath-Sheba Children: Resignation Manifested at Loss of David: King of Israel: Death of his Infant Son (Born from Bath-Sheba) Fasting: During the Sickness of the Child Born to Him by Bath-Sheba Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by David